World EV Day 2023: Poll Reveals Installer Insights on EV Charger Improvements
To coincide with World EV Day 2023, smart charging engineering consultancy, Versinetic, has unveiled the findings of a recent poll targeting installers.
The survey aimed to uncover potential enhancements for electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
Versinetic’s core belief is that the surge in EV adoption is directly proportional to the advancements in EV charging infrastructure.
This, coupled with the removal of barriers that deter motorists from using chargers, is pivotal to maintaining the uptake of electric vehicles.
Versinetic carried out the poll ahead of World EV Day on September 9th, to better understand the nuances of EV charger installation, and the areas ripe for improvement.
Key Findings from the Installer Poll
1. Design and Compatibility Take Centre Stage:
A significant 39% of installers pinpointed design as a crucial area needing attention. Within this, 26% highlighted the need for broader EV charger compatibility.
The goal? To cater to a myriad of charging interfaces, spanning brands and models, from CHAdeMO and CCS to the Tesla Supercharger.
2. Aesthetic and Material Quality:
Equally important, with 15% of the responses each, were the exterior aesthetics of the chargers, and the quality of materials used in their construction.
The overarching sentiment was to ensure that chargers blend seamlessly with their surroundings, offering both visual appeal and environmental consciousness.
3. Simplified Payment Protocols:
12% of the participants voiced the need for a more streamlined payment process.
The vision is to offer diverse payment methods, be they credit cards, mobile payments, or charging cards, ensuring a hassle-free charging experience.
4. Maintenance and Early Fault Detection:
Versinetic’s previous studies had underscored the dearth of EV engineers overseeing charger maintenance. Their latest poll revealed that 21% of respondents were apprehensive about this.
The solution? A proactive, intelligent management system offering remote monitoring and early fault diagnosis.
5. Safety, Security, and User Privacy:
12% underscored the importance of safety and security.
Suggestions ranged from bolstering user privacy at charging posts to enhancing the overall safety of the charging infrastructure, including measures against fire, theft, and unauthorised use.
6. Online Reservation Systems:
An innovative proposition from the survey was the introduction of an online reservation system.
This would allow EV drivers to pre-book charging slots, ensuring optimal resource allocation, especially if the number of EVs outpaces the available charging posts.
World EV Day 2023 Poll - Takeaways
Dunstan Power, Managing Director of Versinetic, concluded: “The EV charging industry stands at a pivotal moment, with the potential to revolutionise transportation and pave the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles on an unprecedented scale. To achieve this vision, we must make electric vehicles more accessible and appealing to the masses, surpassing the convenience of fossil fuel cars.
“The poll has shed light on numerous areas where improvements can be made. However, our focus should be on creating a better user experience for EV drivers, who often find the public charging process inconsistent.
“Simplifying the process of paying for EV charging is also a high priority, ensuring a seamless experience for every driver.
“If we embark on this journey with a commitment to enhancing charging infrastructure and user experience, we can propel EVs into the mainstream, surpassing the convenience and appeal of traditional vehicles.
“Together, let’s make these crucial improvements, setting the stage for a greener, more sustainable future.”
A version of this article first appeared in Electronic Specifier
